10 Things That Make Me Happy

I've been a big fan of YouTube vloggers for years now, and when I saw Sarabelle93x's video 10 Things That Make Me Happy, I knew I had to watch it! Positive videos and posts like that are so nice and refreshing to read; taking a break from all the stress I feel as a college student is relaxing. My friend Neidelyn over at Get Up & Dress Up brought the 10 Things That Make Me Happy video over to her blog and tagged me to do the same! Here are my 10 things that make me happy.

{1. Seattle}

{Taken by Emily Ryder - Facebook and Portfolio}

I am in love with Seattle. It might sound a little silly, but I honestly believe it's where I belong. Everything about this city is perfect: it's on the water, has undying loyalty, amazing universities, delicious restaurants, and a culture that can't be mimicked. Most of my weekends are spent somewhere in the city. I love the atmosphere, the tall buildings, and did I mention what amazing shops there are (Including the flagship Nordstrom!)? I'll live here eventually, I can feel it. The photo above was taken by someone I know (she took my senior photos!) and is extremely talented. I had to include her photograph of Seattle in this post!

{2. Hot Tea}

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Hot tea is probably my favorite drink, ever. I've never been a coffee drinker, but I could drink multiple pots of tea in one sitting. I made a post awhile back on my favorite non-coffee drinks, featuring a nice section specifically about hot tea. There's nothing more comforting than a mug full of my current favorite tea, Lemon Ginger from Stash, and a bit of honey stirred in. I have a cup (at least) every morning at breakfast! It's my favorite way to start the day off strong.

{3. Cute Animal Videos}

There both cat videos... But what can I say, I'm a cat person. Nothing warms my heart better than a cute video of animals. How amazing is this firefighter for saving that little kitten? It's just too cute! If I'm ever feeling down, I know I can make myself smile by browsing YouTube for some cute videos.

{4. Random Acts of Kindness}

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Being kind to others is important to me. My three years of involvement with high school leadership taught me the importance of making others feel included, wanted, and appreciated. That's where I discovered the term "random acts of kindness." Being kind to others and doing small, or big, things to positively influence their days not only brightens them up, but you as well. I was once told that the best cure for feeling sad and low was to make someone else feel great, and to always "leave it better than I found it."

{5. College}

{taken by me}

I'll be honest: I'm not totally in love with my university. There are some things I wish my school had that it doesn't, but I still love being college student. Being a college student has drastically changed my life, my relationships, my habits, and my lifestyle. I've learned to live in a tiny space, I have to regularly wash my dishes and do my laundry, and I've gained some independence now that I don't live at home. I love attending my classes and absorbing all this knowledge I wouldn't have been exposed to back at home. It's so exciting and refreshing to be a university and not at home anymore.

{6. Binge Watching TV Shows}

There is nothing quite like spending a day to yourself binge watching a favorite tv show. There are some shows, like my new favorite, Hart of Dixie, that are perfect for laying in bed all day while painting my nails and snacking on almonds. Pretty Little Liars, the Carrie Diaries, and Gossip Girl are my other favorite tv shows, hands down, and are all perfect for spending a day (or night!) in. I love being able to relax and involve myself into the drama of fictional characters.


{7. Fruit and Markets}

{both photos taken by me}

I am the biggest sucker in the world for fruit. I am absolutely crazy for it! Since I've been in college, I've felt incredibly depraved. It's hard to buy fruit that won't spoil before I eat it, and unfortunately, the dining hall has a very limited assortment. No food is better than fresh fruit, especially from a market. Pikes Place Market in Seattle is infamous for having so many vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Both the photos above were actually taken there! If you ever wanted a sample, a vendor is always more than happy to provide you with one. Markets, from large ones like Pikes Place, to small ones like local Farmer's Markets build a community like no other. Plus, nothing is better than fresh produce.


{8. Interior Design}

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I am more than excited for the day I have my own place to decorate and call home. I think every girl can admit to sitting on Pinterest (psst - follow me!) for hours, looking both at and in homes! I'm excited to create a space personalized to me and my roommate(s)/boyfriend. Creating a positive, personalized, and loving atmosphere in a home is not only incredibly important, it takes talent, skill, and practice. The "perfect" interior design may never be reached, but as long as a space is a loving home, I couldn't be happier. Thinking about my future home gives me hope for the future and the brightness it has to offer.


{9. Blogging}

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Of course blogging would be on this list! Creating Prep Northwest has been a truly amazing experiences. I am still so new to the blogging world but already I have built connections with other bloggers all around the country. Isn't that crazy? I love having a place I can put so much work and effort into, and be able to admire and see the work I've done. I love blogging, I love writing, and I love reading other blogger's posts. I can't wait for many more months dedicated to this blog and exploring more about myself and life (oops, getting cheesy). That's what this blog is about: exploration, discovery, passion, and celebrating everything.


{10. My Loved Ones}

(So many photos, so many loved ones)

There are no words to express what love is, especially when trying to say what unconditional love feels like. I have truly amazing people in my life and each day I am so thankful for them. Life isn't always about what you're doing, but who you're doing it with. I wouldn't want to imagine the life I would have and the person I would be if I hadn't met or been blessed to share blood with the people who are in my life. These are the people I unconditionally love and know I can turn to if I ever needed help.


I hope each one of you does this post - it's a great reminder of all the amazing things in our lives and the perfect way to share that.
I tag:
Madellen at Tall Socks and Polka Dots
Cara at Southern and Savvy
Ashley at Private School Prepster
Grace at Preppy on the West Coast
Hunter at Prep on a Budget
Dorothy at Prep In Your Step
+ anyone else interested!

Cheers to happiness, love, smiles, and the future.